Twisted Wonderland: Glorious Masquerade - Let the Bell of Solace Ring

Chapter 4-15: Real Efficiency

Still on the lower floor, Azul continues firing his abilities and magic at the flowers, and the plants aren't backing down.

Azul expresses his frustration, "Rgh... I keep wiping out the flowers, but they're still gaining ground. I can't afford to expend much more energy... Perhaps the person in front could climb a little faster!"

Meanwhile, Malleus and Briar continue to run up the stairs, but Idia is getting more exhausted that he looks like he's ready to collapse. Of course, Azul rushes up after getting rid of the flowers in his path.

"Shroud, you're lagging. Run faster," Malleus says and pushes Idia to get him up faster.

Idia yelps, "Eep! Malleus pushed me from behind... He's powerful... And royally ticked off... I'm so scared I can't look back... Believe me, the spirit is willing, but the legs are soft and squishy..."

Seeing what's going on, Azul says, annoyed, "Oh, for... Idia! When you make it up this flight of stairs, step off to the side."

"Off to the side?" Idia asks.

Soon, the group reaches the next upper floor.

Idia does just that. Tired, he asks, "Is...this good? Are we taking five? Sweet!"

"No, we're changing places," Azul says, "I'll take the front. Malleus, you and Briar stay in the middle, and Idia, you bring up the rear. Now it's your turn to deal with the oncoming flowers."

"Huh? Why me? You're handling them just fine. I heard you say you can't afford to expend more energy..." Idia asks, shocked, "But since you're so efficient, it can't be as bad as you claim, right? Sounds like you're holding out on us."

"So you're content to let me do all the heavy lifting? I suppose you were just going to turn to Malleus when you needed more backup. You won't sell anyone on the idea of you coasting by without lifting a finger. And even if you could, you wouldn't sell ME on it!" Azul says, annoyed.

Malleus asks, "What would you be in the market for in that scenario?"

"I have to wonder about it as well," Briar adds, a bit confused.

"Probs some shady deal where he rakes it in by conning multiple distributors," Idia says.

Azul glares at Idia, "Idia, have you done ANYTHING useful since we've been in this tower? Please try to contribute at least something."

"Hm. I was rather impressed with how Ashengrotto dispatched the firelotuses before. Now I'm eager to see how you handle them, Shroud," Malleus says.

"Please, don't be..." Idia is about to say something.

But he sighs and says, " Okay, fine. I'm not exactly suited to tanking and leading a party IRL anyway. I guess staying in the rear and handling all the gimmick mechanics is better. You just need me to slow down the flowers creeping up on us, right?"

"Yes, and preferably without exhausting your reserves," Azul says.

"Whatever, dude. You'd drop me in a heartbeat if I ran out of MP and you know it," Idia says, annoyed.

"I'm not familiar with this 'MP,' but if you cease to serve a purpose, I'd have no choice but to leave you behind," Malleus says.

"Mal!" Briar says, surprised.

"Gracious, Malleus. Not a shred of mercy," Azul says, surprised, "Someone as benevolent as I—"

Malleus turns to Azul, "Would take issue with that?"

"Not in the least. I think it's wonderfully efficient," Azul quickly says.

Idia scoffs, "Pfft. You guys are both bush league, if you ask me. I'll show you REAL efficiency."